In this review, we will be comparing Performa4 M145 and Performa4 M146, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel Performa4 M145 and Revel Performa4 M146 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Revel Performa4 M145 | Revel Performa4 M146 |
|---|
| Brand | Revel
United States · founded 1996 | Revel
United States · founded 1996 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) | 6.5" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 54-40k Hz | 43-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 85.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 15-150 watts | — |
|---|
| Weight | 6.82kg / 15lbs | 11.02kg / 24.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-5/8" x 7-15/16" x 9-5/8"
296.0 x 202.0 x 245.0mm | 14-1/8" x 9-13/16" x 12-1/2"
358.8 x 249.2 x 317.5mm |
|---|
Performa4 M145 and Performa4 M146 are members of Revel's Performa4 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Revel Performa4 Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Performa4 M145 and Performa4 M146 are 2-way speakers.
Revel Performa4 M145Revel Performa4 M146
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Revel Performa4 M145 |
Revel Performa4 M146 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Performa4 M145 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) Woofer. On the other hand, the Performa4 M146 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Performa4 M145 has a frequency range of 54-40k Hz whereas Performa4 M146 has a frequency range of 43-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 43Hz, the Performa4 M146 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Performa4 M145's min frequency of 54Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Performa4 M145 and Performa4 M146 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Performa4 M145 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Performa4 M146's is at 85.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Revel Performa4 M146 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel Performa4 M145, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Performa4 M145 features Binding post type posts and Performa4 M146 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Revel Performa4 M145's and Revel Performa4 M146's external dimensions. Revel Performa4 M145 has external dimensions of 296.0 x 202.0 x 245.0mm (11-5/8inch x 7-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch) whereas Revel Performa4 M146 has external dimensions of 358.8 x 249.2 x 317.5mm ().
Revel Performa4 M146 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47.2mm wider, 62.8mm taller and 72.5mm deeper than Revel Performa4 M145.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Revel Performa4 M146 needs about 60% more floor or shelf area. Revel Performa4 M146 is 73mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Revel Performa4 M146 is 63mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Revel Performa4 M145 is approximately 494.9cm2 / 76.7inch2 and base area of the Revel Performa4 M146 is approximately 791.2cm2 / 122.6inch2. The Performa4 M145 requires 37% less surface area than the Performa4 M146 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Revel Performa4 M145 weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Revel Performa4 M146 weighs 11.02kg / 24.2lbs. This makes the Performa4 M146 62% heavier than the Performa4 M145.
Here is a comparison of how Performa4 M145 and Performa4 M146's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Revel Performa4 M145?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Performa4 M145:
- 2 Bookshlef loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Self-adhesive feet
- 2 Port plugs
- Quick Start Guide
 Height |
296mm
vs
358mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
494cm2
vs
791cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
43 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Revel Performa4 M145 |
Revel Performa4 M146 |
| Brand |
Revel |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
54-40k Hz |
43-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
296.0mm (11.7") |
358.8mm (14.1") |
| Width |
202.0mm (8") |
249.2mm (9.8") |
| Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
317.5mm (12.5") |
| Weight |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
11.02kg (24.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
|
| Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
|
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Siblings in Revel's Performa4 series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Revel Performa4 M146 digs deeper - 43Hz against 54Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (85dB vs 86dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Size | depends | Revel Performa4 M145 is easier to place; Revel Performa4 M146 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
A Revel Performa4 M145 B Revel Performa4 M146
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Revel Performa4 M146 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 54Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Revel Performa4 M146 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Revel Performa4 M145 is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.